This need to rest has been growing in my bones, and the muscles that always wanted to run are asking so very powerfully not to. There is a weary feeling that cannot be politely assuaged or that will simply evaporate with the rise of the sun next morn. The next morning my body was still not ready to move, everything hurt but I was expected to be seen in town as a Champion.
I looked like I came from an underground concert from the '90s. Worn, and torn jeans covered my legs, an old, faded Billy Idol muscle tank clad my torso. I laced up calf-high boots that were caked with dried and hardened mud. Dark circles cover me all shades of bruising, black eyes and here I was about to struggle through town along with Zan, Will, Hawk, and Layla.
I was also planning on talking to Zan about my plan, I wasn't sure how he would feel about me tampering with Rath's mindset, but in the end, this was a good solution. I would always love him and love our time together but in his head, I am still his. I did hate this fact we had to be seen and paraded around scars and all, only those who were in the hospital got off which made me feel bad for declining Dr. Spex's offer to stay a day or two for "observational" purposes. Layla is coming down the hall with Will in tow both looking refreshed, but Layla still had her marks to show. Like clockwork, I opened the door trying to smile, but it hurt and was more of a grimace of blatant pain.
I offered, "Best get this over with, such a bullshit tradition," Layla just agreed as I take my keys in hand and walk from the house with them, I knew my brother and sister in law are at their home, dad and Summer are working as normal, but she brought him balance.
Each raindrop is a kaleidoscope if we could only see more closely. I wonder as I walk how it would be to stop time, to suspend this watery gift, and peek through each one. Perhaps it would be fun to sit inside those raindrops and take that gravity propelled ride to the earth, as I imagine it I feel my inner self laughing - a little at the crazy daydream and a little at my silliness. I see the rain beads upon the cars, upon each leaf, and washing my outstretched fingers. Soon they will pull together, forming the puddles, opening a whole new avenue of rain-related fun. Perhaps it isn't normal to love a rainy day so much, but who cares about normal anyway? I'm pretty sure "normal" is a made-up thing.
The talk was littered with smiles, the real communication, not the words. I just drive listening to them, I added in. "I am starved, we will have to get food soon. I also need to have a chit chat with your man," my tone light but they understood it was laced with a more urgent desire.
She asked, "Why is everything okay?" I should have talked to them sooner, well not Will he was tagging along and would leave soon after we arrived in town, his girl was supposed to show so he would be with her. I retort like it is still nothing, "I need his permission to fix Rath and me," I phrased it wrong as two twin gasps are heard like they couldn't believe what bullshit I was spewing today.
I clarified, "Not like that, I want to wipe us dating from his memory and replace it with a healthy friendship," the tension vanished as fast as it had set in. Will spoke low, "That be best, he will not get over you even when we heard he was dating Magenta as of recent," I wasn't shocked per se, but I was too, we have only been broken up maybe two weeks and he just slid into another girls life. That sealed it this was for the best as I heard a loud thunderclap and Will yelling in the back.
He was cowering from Layla who was glaring daggers at him, "You seriously have the emotional range of a teaspoon, they just broke up two weeks ago. I highly doubt she wanted to know he moved on so fast, my god you stupid moron," I looked at Will who had a mark on his face from the impact.
I assured them, "It was rough hearing it, but he can do as he pleases," but Will was looking at me, knowing I was indeed hurt by the news and I was but it sealed my resolve that this was best. I finished, "We arrived and now must parade ourselves around town," I looked like shit but here we go, and it was a shit show as all eyes are on us as we meet up with Hawk and Zan who beam waving us over.
Hawk just tossed his arm over me, "You look good, now head up high," easy for him to say he was not covered in marks. It was raining as we just do what we have to but staying dry, I was starved. "Paper Lantern," it was calling.
Layla smiled, "Yup, let's go," her head on Zan's shoulder as he covered them in the umbrella, Jennifer was walking beside my cousin, and here I was trudging along with Hawk who was also going solo today. His girl was in Montgomery Ville seeing her Nona.
We just smile waving to Gale and Susa who are working today, Zan had a few paid days off, a nice perk of being a champion. I just moved from Hawk checking the kitchen real fast seeing Warren, his long hair was tied back away from the food. He wore the normal chef pants but a black tank top that fit him like a glove, his arms are littered in ink, but each to him has a special meaning. I cut into his music and cooking, "I am hungry," his head turned at the voice.
A smile flashed across his face, "Really, you could have had Lash or Gwen come and get it. You should be home resting," his body coming to the counter that separated us, I could smell him now it was something else. Aspen and when I breathed him in it soothed me. I shook my head, "You know we had to be seen today, in town and hungry, think we are at table ten. Better go back to them, just wanted you to know we're here,"
I walked away hearing him going back to his job.
Seeing him made my heart twirl. Hearing his voice made my stomach flutter. I can't help but feel this way about him. His eyes, those deep amber-brown eyes that could tell a whole story just by looking at them. And the way he moves. He trots along, effortlessly looking handsome. I stop to look at him and admire his perfection as I know that's as far as I could ever get.
They bounced remarks between themselves like a kid's rubber ball. They were never sure if they got wittier as the time wore on or if it was just the effect of the games making everything seem so much funnier. I just lean back and listen and say nothing, they each connect well with the other. I can feel Hawk's arm twitch behind my head, it was this small twitch that had my eyes moving up seeing Magenta and Rath walking our way. Rath just smiled his arm over her shoulder, "Hey guys, mind if we join you," he asked Jennifer spoke fast.
"I do you and the trap can go eat somewhere else," her pale ice blue eyes like daggers, I felt for Zan he loved Rath. They have been together in many lifetimes and having everyone at the ends is causing him great stress, so I speak to him and him alone. Feeling his shock at the intrusion. "My apologies Zan, I have a plan to fix all of this. I need your help but more of your permission. I want to wipe Rath and I dating from his memory and replace it with a healthy friendship. It is best and I mean," then my eyes locked with Magenta's, her thoughts are happy, finally.
She loved him, the way her eyes turned wide when she heard me. "You know deep down that I don't care if you two are dating, no need to think you one-upped me. I could have him and everyone knows this, I do not want him. I have handed him to you on a silver platter so enjoy," I cut it off before looking at Zan who gave me a simple head nod of yes, Magenta and Layla saw the exchange, and their eyes are curious until the light goes off in Layla's head, she already knew.
Rath just looked frustrated, I in a not like me petty move wanted to say something to show Magenta she could lose him to me if I so wished. But seeing Warren walking from the kitchen with a platter of food, knowing it was mine as Susa and Gale had the rest. His deep cold tone echoed, "Not welcome here, you and the whore leave. I mean if you chose not to, I am willing to personally show you the door. Here you go Az, and I will see you later tonight after my shift. I am taking you to the Dive," everyone looked at him when he cut in. "What, you lot think she should be crying over this bitch, he downgraded real fast. And didn't I say leave," it wasn't a question as with such impeccable reflex's he had Rath in a hold, and another had him sailing out the door as Susa and Gale gave Magenta a rather brutal escort out too?
I just took a bite and my god he could cook, "Thanks," I muttered as he waved heading back to his hole. I cut into their thoughts, "He rather I was not home alone, so going to take me to dinner. People shouldn't pity me, I can get a guy if I so wanted, but dating is not that important," Gwen was here as I moved into Hawk making room for her, everyone looked at me.
Saying "Gwen is here," and she walked in five minutes later her eyes glowed seeing us she took her seat. "Hey guys, Lash is working, and I was hungry and since I didn't find anyone at his dad's. Figured ya'll do the parade walk and wanted food," she flagged Gale down ordering another platter, and once Warren peeked over she waved and he nodded, her order was being made before anyone else as she was sporting a growing bump.
She and Jennifer talked as I turned to look at Layla, "You want to go look in a few more shops?" she beamed. "Yes, I also need to go to the Nursery they called me, since my order arrived from Nepal," this girl and her exotic flowers.
"Sounds good to me, after I want to go home and rest,"
Layla and Will both chimed in at the same time, "Same," Layla, dissolves into a puddle of laughter and I can see her stomach shaking as she fights a new gale of giggles. Will does too, but he deeper as if it were a natural spring, the water deepening the hue of the rocks.
This was just as relaxing as being home in bed, seeing my friends so happy and thriving, soon everything will be right with Rath being welcomed back, minus his girl there was no pretending with her.
I was done and so was Layla, so we're leaving as Gwen and Jennifer have some planning to do for a building design. Hawk and Will are going to the gym and Zan was going to alert Vilandra and Alex of my plan before coming to my place to see Layla.
She looked outside, "SHIT," and I agreed.
The icy grey sky restlessly grumbled. The thick blackened clouds were dragged down by the heavy rain which it held in its delicate frame. The clouds which struggled to withstand the burden of the weight which the rain held, soon gave in. The rain poured down over Max Ville with a roar. The sound of emptiness was disrupted by the loud gregarious boom of thunder. The cold icy rain pierced our pale and wet skin. We ran across the slippery path, posture weakened by the weight of soaked clothes. The quality of darkness shifted in the sky, but the rain kept pouring. The harsh rain obliterated the crystal reflection of the sky and turned it into a disorientated chaos. I laughed, "I love this weather," she beamed her face turned up letting the water pour down.
"It renews life, we needed this storm," her voice a little fragile as the rain hit her blackened eye. "Let's get what we need and get home, we can sit by the fire with hot cocoa and watch a movie," we both loved that, so much so my dad made us a spot with our fireplace, a large window to the left and bookcase to the right, plush bean bags to rest in; our very own haven.
But knowing Warren was wanting to head out had me in the tub just relaxing with the bath bomb fizzing away, Layla and Zan left an hour ago heading to his place. I mean this was nothing new we have had dinners together since I was younger but knowing he didn't want me sobbing over Rath was so like him the typical big brother. Lash was still at work and didn't even live here, but it was always so odd not having my brother around but now he has a family and grown things to do. In my daydream was at first a pure black canvas, yet it turned into a rich earth tunnel; far away in the distance was a green light. Every other time there had been none, yet now it was there, bright and clear.
Pulling myself from it, I exited the tub with such regret it was warm and comforting like nothing else. Everything seemed like a long-drawn-out process, drying my body and blow drying my hair was more of a task now, I knew it was just myself being tired and sore from head to toe.
By six in the evening, I was dressed in my black high waist jeans with the silver coin belt, pairing it with the dark red top every male I knew hated with a passion, but red is the color of passion. My hair was up in a ponytail with some hanging down, my silver hoop earring's on with some bangles around my wrist. I still looked fucked up with the marks, but I was not putting make-up on it be wasted effort.
I turned nothing was there, but it was just my powers alerting me he was at least ten minutes away. I would turn it off but certain people are logged in my head full time, Lash was one of them so was my dad. Saying to myself, "let get this over with," like eating with him was undesirable, because it was but not looking like a fucking train wreck.
I looked out the window that was our wall, the night sky is how I came to wish to fly. It is the most beautiful art, alive within raw energy, a song for the eyes. At times I felt as if I could feel it vibrating somehow, whispering in a way the ears cannot hear. Stars filled the sky like pale corn into freshly turned ground. It was the promise of life in the darkness, a sense of warmth springing from the cold. It was a vastness to bring humbleness and an eternal space to bring gratitude for the coziness of home. No matter the years that passed.
Right before his finger could touch the keypad with Lashes code, I pressed the small red button letting him in. I can hear his thoughts, so muted, as normal he doesn't want me to hear them. But I hear his tone so deep and alluring, "Of course you knew," I smiled which such a Lash like a smirk. I held the door open for him, his eyes and the way he looked at me was with the kind of heady trance that brings a butterfly to nectar.
We all knew he had this effect on girl's, maybe some would turn him down, I have not met them, but I also keep my circle small. "Hey there Az, you ready," as I will ever be.
I answered back, "Yup," his arm wrapped around my back closing the down before leading me to his truck were as normal, he had to help us in, I never saw the point in having your truck be massive in size.
Our conversation is so much more than words. It is the smiles, the gentle shrugs, and the light in our eyes. That we are both elevated by each other's presence is obvious and even the silences are comfortable. They are moments to savor the company of the other and feel that sense of peace that comes from feeling loved and protected, within the arms of friendship.
His deep tone filled the doorway as much as his body, "Peace," the girl looked at him with lust, I didn't need my powers to feel or see it, then her eyes glanced down at the disaster that was me standing next to the beast. She was not impressed as she spoke in a sly tone, "How nice of you taking your sister to dinner," I was going to off this bitch, I was a game champion, not some minced meat.
He scoffed making it ridiculously hot in here, "This ain't my sister sweetheart, this is my date and a fellow Games Champion. Now how about you show us to our table," even if this limbo was a civilian, they loved the games too. With her in her place I was feeling better somehow, maybe it was he meant it. The restaurant was full. I looked around at the busy tables. An old couple eating side by side, one glass of wine each, studiously bent over their meals. A group of young women in their thirties collapsing with helpless giggles. Businessmen in their grey suits lighting up cigars. A family and their teenage children, but in the end, a lot of teens and younger adults are here enjoying the place and the food.
"Drinks?"
He gave her a sharp look, "Coke and you Az?" but his eyes are daring her to spit in it. I answered, "Cherry Coke, please," I was still polite. I was shutting the place down so nothing was vibrating in my head; it be nice to just enjoy dinner. And I did, he was funny and just easy to be around. He would have the face of an angel if his lips would ever break farther apart. The edge is pushed up, scrunching his one eye up, making the brown appear black. His lips parted a centimeter, making it seductive to many. Yet the smirk on his pristine face made him appear all too arrogant, like any Casanova. His eyes directed behind me with that smirk, it must have been a girl but like that his attention snapped back to me.
His tone was so deep but so fitting for him, "so you girls are planning her baby shower, is it going to be like a boy's and girl's type of shit," we continued talking when our food was finally served. The platters are meant to be shared; the shrimp was the main thing I was looking forward to. So many varies of shrimp as we both started eating falling into a comfortable silence. His eyes flickered up, "So after this how about we can do whatever you like," that was sweet of him.
I answered, "I honestly like to go home and just watch a movie,"
His smile widened, "Sounds great to me," he was going to come in and just watch a movie. "You don't have to stay and babysit me, Warren," now I was not expecting to feel his rage, I closed the hole I must have left. I knew better if my powers got out of control it would not end well, I cocked my head seeing Warren looking at me in such a way it scared me.
"I do not consider you a baby, nor do I consider you my baby sister. I am not taking you on a pity date either in case you're thinking with that line of bullshit, all I ask is it is not a chick flick," every cell in me was shocked, I was not a baby and not a baby sister to him.
And that also ruled out watching Sixteen Candles…..I switched thinking about a suitable movie. "Okay, not Sixteen Candles, you can pick," at first his face was filled with horror hearing that movie, he hated that movie and has sat through it more times than he could even remember. The food was great and the conversation never stalls in some kind of uncomfortable silence, it was since it was not something I did with anyone but my close friends.
Warren was different from the other "funny guys." He used his wit for satire, his comments were clever and insightful. Even the subject of the ridicule often joined in the joke, he always presented it in such a way that they were free to laugh at themselves and become the star of the situation rather than himself. Being the subject of one of his remarks made you feel like part of the group, if Warren thought you were worth an observation you were one of the gang. He was never cruel, never aimed to injure or cause distress to those in his group, he kept it small. Everyone else better watch out because he would give zero emotions to you and what would ale you.
So with the bill paid he helped me from the booth when a very angry and hurt tone hit us, my eyes locked with those of my ex-boyfriend and the girl hanging onto his arm from dear life. "THIS…WHAT…THE…FUCK…IS…THIS," he bellowed pronouncing each word like either of us are dimwitted.
I shook my head, more so because now all attention was on our group. "You and I are not together, and never will be again. We broke up and look you have a girl on your arm the one you cheated on me with. Please, just get over me, and sure as fuck better get over thinking you have a say in what I do. I can go on a date, I can do as I like, you will not ruin my night. But I swear if you so much as chose to not shut up and back off you better watch yourself for the near future, you will have people gunning for your ass. Magenta try and be smart for once, you know how Warren's crew runs you will be targeted just as much as your man," my eyes alight with fire, all the emotions, thoughts hitting me but for once it was so easy to toss the one's I didn't want out and concentrate on those I did. Magenta was scared and when I looked through her eyes it was clear Warren was making sure his demeanor matched my stupid words.
Then his husky voice cut in, instigating this further. "Look you lost her, now you need to just walk away and move on," at least his words are clam and for a first nonlethal.
But Rath was so hot-headed and tempered much like Warren, but Warren grew up and was able to learn to control such things, and maybe in time Rath could as well. He had the potential for a greater thing if he just stops the nonsense and grows in maturity. "I would drop Mage for Az any day, but seems you had this all planned out to use her while she was in some emotional state for your bullshit,"
"Enough, let's go Warren, you promised some frozen yogurt and going to my place for Sixteen Candles," I could imagine his head tossed back for a split second before he let it go and agreed to simple demands. But Magenta, she was hurt it floored me she loved him so much she would wait until he loved her back. She let him treat her like she wasn't important, I hated her but not enough. I turned back to them before I allowed Warren to lead me from the place and the lingering stares. "Even you Magenta can do better, you shouldn't allow him to treat you like you're not good enough for him, just because you're not me. He found you good enough to skirt around behind my back, and for you, Rath might want to stop and look at her the real her. She loves you much more than you understand, she gave up her life, her friends, her Heroine reputation for your love. You moved on before I even thought to, please just move on," my fingers traced his face as the room grew still as each person froze in whatever position they had been in.
"Sad it came to this, he will have whatever we once shared hidden in his mind behind false memories. I will not make him love you that will be up to you, but now in his head, we're just good friends. But make no mistake you come near our group after tonight when we welcome him back, I will take you out. In his head you and my crew hate each other, I will not be around you even if it meant peace from him," Warren held my shoulder feeling the raw power I was showing.
She gave Rath a look, "Fine, I will stay away," even in her head she was happy, happy he could be only her's. With that, we leave for MaxYougurt for some cupcake batter and cheesecake yogurt topped with cheesecake bites. But of course, he got the same but added more of each and some crushed butterfingers.
So, he caved like normal and the house was filled with Zan, Layla, Jennifer, and Will the boys not watching but texting to avoid any feeling of emotion. I turned to look at Warren, "Loser, you know you like this movie,"
"Shut it or I will drown you,"
"Harsh," was said from the floor as Layla punched his ankle. "Like an angry puppy," was all Warren muttered to a blushing Layla, she was no doubt but she was deadly.
Jennifer spoke, "Okay, so we have everything set up but the location. Invites out and a few have returned, still looking at over forty-five coming," we did have everything planned but that single detail.
Warren cut in, "Why not have it in the dome, I mean come on that is where they met and fell in love," he was right as I jumped up placing a small kiss on his cheek. The room grew very warm for a flash as everyone laughed.
Layla was on her cell sending an urgent message to our Principal, hopefully, Principal Powers would allow us to use it. "It is a go, but if we damage anything we have to pay for it," Layla beamed at us.
I mean what could we damage, it was a bloody training place and where the games are held. I glanced back at Jen, "Draw up the layout as if all sixty said yes, give enough space for people to move around with plates, the cake area, and food court," I was calculating already it was going to be great.
Warren was side-eyeing me with a smirk, "I will bring the muscle for the event, he meant that in two ways. Guards and people to set up,"
"Thanks, and thank you for a great night,"
"How about Saturday we go out again, dinner, yogurt but a movie of my choice at my place. Sunday you'll be very busy,"
"Deal,"